In 2009, while still in fulltime church ministry, I began to wonder what I would do as I looked toward retirement. I already imagined staying active in spiritual work…but even then knew my leanings towards a contemplative path, a wide understanding of God, God’s love and welcome, and my eclectic choice of authoritites would make it difficult for me to be affiliated with any one denomination inside Christianity–or even as part of another world religion.
To kick off my road to retirement, I began the process of becoming a Benedictine Oblate of St. John’s Abbey… it was two years of spiritual nourishment. Next my continuing education time in 2011 was spent attending THE JOHN MAIN seminar in Ireland (there are old blogs about that way, way down at the bottom of the page). It was also a life changing experience. Around the same time, I chose to do my training in Spiritual Direction at Shalem Institute–a non denominational program. with outstanding teachers and curriculum. Putting it all together, I began a not-for profit called Peace River Spirituality Center which offered both group and individual retreats, Spiritual Direction, and for 10 years supported two children through Compassion International. That was then. It was a wild ride!
My old Blogspot account is closed now, as well as the Peace River Spirituality Center. To my surprise, I found a home within the Presbyterian Church far longer than I anticipated anyone would tolerate me-thanks Revs. Karen and Bruce-but with the move to Jax Beach I’ve come to the place once more of beginning again in this last chapter of life and ministry. (I can’t separate the two…my life is ministry).
To those of you who are new to this Blog on WordPress, Welcome! To those of you who have transitioned with me over the past 13 years, God Bless You! If the time just past is any indication of what is ahead, we are once again embarking on an adventure.
It is the adventure of beginning again that keeps my spirit bouyed. It’s the gift of openness to what is catching my attention, to what seems to need to be done or said…that makes me excited at each beginning–and makes me able to let go of what was, with some sadness surely, but not trauma. If I was a person who was tied to sameness, to continuing on the same path, in the same manner, in the same place…life would be quite miserable. But I have been given a child-like hope that holds me in good stead as the road turns and new vistas open.
My hope is that you have already, or will make time soon to consider the new beginnings in your life. What has come to you as new or surprise? What did you think was going to happen? What actually did happen? What happened next? We can choose how we react to newness. We can’t change the fact that paths bend, widen, narrow or end. May you know the faithfulness of the Creator of us all, in the beginnings, turns and endings of your journey. And may the adventure take you to green pastures, beside still waters.
With loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers,
Kathleen
The Celtic Monk
The Celtic Monk Musings 